Happy tails from Wags and Waves

Every dog has his day. Or at least every dog at Wags & Waves Sept. 17 at Hawaiian Falls Garland had it made in the shade.

For the third consecutive year, the Metroplex Animal Coalition held the World’s Largest Doggie Pool Party at the popular waterpark. And it was hard to tell who was having more fun: the canines or their human companions.

From tiny chihuahuas and playful terriers to massive bloodhounds and Great Danes, dogs splashed in the Waikiki Beach wavepool, ran the floating obstacle course at Splashwater Falls and floated down the Lazy River on tubes with their humans. From groomers and pet toys to waste removal services and pet microchipping, vendors offered their wares throughout the park. The Big Guns provided live surf music at the wavepool. There were even costume contests and pet tricks so the furry friends could have their spot on the main stage.

“It’s really wonderful seeing so many happy dogs and happy owners coming together to enjoy themselves and have fun,” said Jonnie England, director of animal advocacy at Metroplex Animal Coalition. “Like every nonprofit organization these days our greatest challenge is raising funds and raising awareness of our mission. The Metroplex Animal Coalition, or MAC, is not really a household name yet, primarily because we don’t have a shelter and we aren’t a rescue organization offering animals for adoption. But MAC is a leader in the DFW animal-welfare community. We offer a free spay/neuter program for the pets of low-income families. And we are advocates for the humane treatment of animals and responsible pet ownership.”

wagsfup3 — From left, Bob Walton, founder/publisher, "Urban Animal" magazine; CBS-11 reporter and emcee J.D. Miles; Terri Stringer, regional training manager, Petco; Jonnie England, director of animal advocacy, Metroplex Animal Coalition; and Dr. Jennifer Wilcox, president, Stonebriar Vet Clinic, Frisco

Metroplex Animal Coalition is an alliance of more than 50 nonprofit animal welfare-organizations in Collin, Dallas, Denton and Tarrant counties working together to save as many dogs and cats as possible. Learn more at metroplexanimalcoalition.org.

Hawaiian Falls held the fundraiser on the last day of the 2011 season since they would be draining the pools for the off season the next day. Hawaiian Falls employs more than 850 people at waterparks in Garland, Mansfield, The Colony and Roanoke. The parks will re-open Memorial Day weekend 2012. Season passes and more information is available at hfalls.com.

“It’s absolutely possible for anyone to make a difference in an animal’s life,” said England. “Volunteer; donate towels or toys or newspapers to your local shelter. Foster a homeless animal until it can be adopted. And make sure your own pets are spayed and neutered! Any and all of these actions are making a difference.”